Woman accused of setting boyfriend's house on fire after argument

TACOMA, Wash. — A woman was charged with first-degree arson Tuesday, accused of setting her boyfriend’s Tacoma home on fire Sunday.

Fire crews were called to a home in the 6800 block of South Fife Street at 6:29 p.m. to find flames and smoke coming from the 1-1/2 story house.

The victim told police he believed his live-in girlfriend, Tracie Leanne Netz, started the fire.

The man said he and Netz had been at a bar earlier Sunday and had argued on the way home.  Once back home, the argument continued and he left.

The victim said Netz sent him text messages threatening to burn his home to the ground if he didn’t return her phone.  Her last text message said his house was on fire, probable cause documents said.

The man told officers he didn’t believe Netz until his son called him later and told him the house was on fire.

He returned home to find his home engulfed in flames.

Fire investigators determined the fire was arson.

Meanwhile, Netz was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation but was later released and taken into custody.

Court documents said Netz told detectives she had started a fire in the pellet stove and burning newspaper blew out and landed on the couch when she opened the lid.  Netz denied sending the victim threatening text messages and said the fire was accidental.

Netz was booked into jail and was later charged with arson.

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